SBIR-STTR Award

I proposed is phase 1 of a phased research project aimed at providing necessary data to assist in the more effective and efficient design of head and face protective equipment for men and women. This is to be accomplished through statistical (multi-variate discriminate analysis) evaluation of an existing US. Army data set of 30 head and face dimensions for 100 male and 200 female subjects. The primary objective of the research is to quantify differences between the sexes on relevant head and facial characteristics and produce parameter profiles to aid in the development of sizing systems. A further objective is to determine whether the existing data set is statistically and practically adequate and if not, to make recommendations for the follow-on phase.

Proper sizing of clothing and protective equipment is essential for satisfactory function. Part of the validation of effective sizing systems requires a detailed analysis of relevant antropometric data. Based upon the results of a phase I feasibility study to identify differences between the sexes on selected head and face anthropometric data, bio-dynamics is proposing a phase II study to: 1. Document more completely six differences in the anthropometric structure of the head and face, 2. Determine and measure sex differences in the relationships among the various anthropometric measures that are relevant to the design and sizing of coverall-type garments, and 3. Investigate the possibility of interactive effects of race on anthropometric sex differences. The proposed methodology relies upon discriminant analysis using a block step-wise procedure where variables known to be highly related to gender are forced into the model in the first step and all other variables are entered in the second step to determine the extent to which second set of variables differ proportionately from set and require explicit design and sizing attention.